US Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Countries Over Forced Labour Failures

US Trade – (Web Desk) – The US Trade Representative has put forward new import duties targeting 60 economies across the world. The proposed tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and are aimed at countries that have failed to stop goods made with forced labour from entering global trade. A public comment period will take place before any final decision is made.

Pakistan and India are among the economies caught up in this latest trade action. Six countries — including Pakistan, Canada, Ecuador, the EU, Indonesia, and Mexico — were specifically called out for not properly enforcing bans on forced labour imports. The remaining 54 economies, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the UK, were found to have never put such bans in place at all.

What the US TR Said About Unfair Competition

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer did not hold back in his statement. He said the failure of major trading partners to address forced labour imports is simply unacceptable. He argued it forces American workers to compete on an unfair playing field — a situation Washington is no longer willing to ignore.

Not everything will be hit with the new duties. Beef, coffee, and certain fruits and nuts are excluded. Goods from Canada and Mexico that fall under the existing North American free trade agreement will also be spared, along with selected textiles and apparel items.

How This Fits Into Trump’s Broader Trade Strategy

These proposals did not come out of nowhere. After the US Supreme Court struck down a wide range of President Trump’s tariffs earlier this year in February, his administration quickly launched fresh trade investigations. The forced labour probes are part of that effort to rebuild a stronger, legally sound tariff framework. Separate investigations into excess industrial capacity are also underway.

The public can submit written comments until July 6. The USTR will then hold hearings before making a final call. Countries and businesses with a stake in the outcome have a narrow window to make their case.